Should Election Day move to the weekend?

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are among the sponsors of weekend-voting legislation, which would "enhance participation in our democracy," according to a statement from Reed's office.

By Journal staff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Should the United States move Election Day from a Tuesday to the weekend?

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are among the sponsors of weekend-voting legislation, which would "enhance participation in our democracy," according to a statement from Reed's office.

The proposal comes, the statement added, "as President Trump's Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity holds meetings around the country and is asking states for data and information about voters."

Reed's bill, the Weekend Voting Act, would move federal Election Day from the first Tuesday in November to the first full weekend.

The legislation, cosponsored by Whitehouse and six other Democratic and Independent Senators, "was discussed at a hearing this week that focused on combating voter suppression and protecting Americans’ Constitutional right to vote," according to Reed's statement.

"Every two years, regardless of the date, Americans vote for their federal representatives on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The Tuesday designation goes back to the mid-19th century, when Congress decided to standardize federal Election Day throughout the country, and chose a day that was most convenient for farmers — then travelling by horse and buggy — to make it to the polls," it added.

"Tuesday voting is an outdated, arcane practice that stands in the way of greater voter participation. Congress set Tuesday as Election Day in 1845 because it was the easiest day for farmers back then, but Tuesday voting has no such societal benefit today."

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Louise Slaughter, a New York Democrat.